What Is Mallory Weiss Syndrome? (MWS)
Can Bulimia Cause A Mallory Weiss Tear?

Mallory Weiss Syndrome (MWS) is defined as bleeding due to tears in the mucous membrane where the esophagus connects to the stomach. It is often painless, sometimes fatal, and is usually preceded by severe coughing or vomiting. It is most often associated with alcoholism or eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.

Mallory Weiss Syndrome (MWS) is diagnosed by performing an endoscopy where doctors use an endoscope (a cable with a camera chip at the end of it) to shine light and visualize the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is not a terribly invasive procedure since no incisions are required, but it can be quite uncomfortable and may leave you with a sore throat. In general, recovery time is quick, unless sedation or other medications are used.

In patients who suffer from upper gastrointestinal bleeding, MWS is responsible for as many as 5 percent of those cases. In a small percentage of people, shock may occur if internal bleeding is severe enough. This can lead to death.

What Are The Causes Of Mallory Weiss Syndrome? (MWS)

The most commons causes of MWS are alcoholism and eating disorders due to the persistent, sometimes violent acts of vomiting.

However, there are a few other things that could possibly cause a Mallory Weiss Tear (MWT):

• Inflammation of the liver that causes vomiting
• Drug interactions, or certain medications
• Increase in abdominal pressure due to heavy lifting
• Complications of the endoscopy
• Low dosages of aspirin can increase the risk for developing a MWT.

Symptoms Of Mallory Weiss Syndrome (MWS)

It's important to note that there are times when Mallory Weiss Syndrome presents no obvious symptoms.

But, if someone you know is vomiting bright red blood, or complains of bloody stools, they need to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will determine if it is a case of MWS, or a different issue entirely.

Some symptoms are more of a side effect of MWS rather than a direct result of the condition itself. For example, changes in pulse rate, blood pressure or evidence of overt shock are likely related to the degree and rate of gastrointestinal blood loss.

In this situation, bleeding is the symptom, and the other issues are side effects, or results of that particular symptom.

Treatment For Mallory Weiss Syndrome (MWS)

In some situations, the bleeding will stop on its own, and the tears will heal within about 48 hours. However, in cases of alcoholism or eating disorders like bulimia, those conditions will most likely need to be treated before full recovery can occur.

It's been my experience that doctors like to start treating the various conditions with the least invasive procedures possible. For example, they may opt for prescription medications before moving on to coagulation therapy -- by way of a heated probe through an endoscope.

It is possible to recover from Mallory Weiss Syndrome, however other long term effects of bulimia may not be curable.

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